Gel Wood Stain Will Not Penetrate the Wood

Gel stain is easier to use than thinner stains because it goes on smoother and because the wood absorbs it evenly regardless of how porous the different areas of the wood are. If you are not accustomed to using gel wood stain, you might feel that it is not penetrating the wood properly. This might be because you usually see more absorption with thin-bodied stains, or it could be because you failed to sand and properly prepare the wood.

Paint thinner
Sealer
100-grit sandpaper
220-grit sandpaper
Sanding block
Cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe off as much of the gel stain as possible with a cloth soaked in paint thinner.
- 2
  Sand the wood with 100-grit sandpaper until is has a uniform surface. Use a sanding block to sand flat areas. Roughening the surface with open up the pores of the wood so that the stain will soak in faster.
- 3
  Paint the wood with a sealer intended for use with a gel stain. Paint with the grain of the wood.
- 4
  Allow the sealer to dry for several hours.
- 5
  Sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper or sanding block to smooth out the surface.
- 6
  Apply the gel stain to the wood with a clean cloth, using a circular motion to work the stain into the wood.
- 7
  Wait several minutes before wiping off the excess gel stain with another clean cloth. This leaves a thin layer of stain on the wood.

How to Use Gel Stain Over a Finished Cabinet

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Indoor House Painting